PageOneLit.com: You work in the field of security and emergency preparedness -- How can parents teach/talk/discuss with their children about emergency safety? What are some important points parents should discuss?
Earl Hicks: When it comes to children, especially younger children, parents don’t need to “discuss” as much as show their kids and practice what to do. Younger children will memorize from repeated actions more than from discussions. With any developed skill, practice makes perfect and we must practice like we perform. If we do not practice how to act during emergencies, chances are we will not perform very well when faced with an actual emergency event.
We all take part in emergency evacuation drills at work and school but never think to do these same exercises at home. The leading cause of major injuries and deaths are accidents that occur in the home, so it only makes sense to prepare for these incidents at home and with our children. “Ready Freddie” is an important part in these preparations.
The most important point for everyone is to be prepared before an emergency through training and proper tools. This advance action will allow everyone, including children, to react quickly and safely during an emergency and not spend valuable time figuring out what to do. With kids, that means showing them “hands on” and walking them through the steps taken during an incident. Every child should know basic safety practices, including but not limited to:
Earl Hicks: When it comes to children, especially younger children, parents don’t need to “discuss” as much as show their kids and practice what to do. Younger children will memorize from repeated actions more than from discussions. With any developed skill, practice makes perfect and we must practice like we perform. If we do not practice how to act during emergencies, chances are we will not perform very well when faced with an actual emergency event.
We all take part in emergency evacuation drills at work and school but never think to do these same exercises at home. The leading cause of major injuries and deaths are accidents that occur in the home, so it only makes sense to prepare for these incidents at home and with our children. “Ready Freddie” is an important part in these preparations.
The most important point for everyone is to be prepared before an emergency through training and proper tools. This advance action will allow everyone, including children, to react quickly and safely during an emergency and not spend valuable time figuring out what to do. With kids, that means showing them “hands on” and walking them through the steps taken during an incident. Every child should know basic safety practices, including but not limited to:
- how to dial 9-1-1,
- where are the flashlights and spare batteries,
- where are the fire extinguishers and how to use them,
- where is the ready kit and what does it contain,
- where is the radio and what do they listen for,
- where do they go in the house during an earthquake, flood, tornado, etc., and
- what friends/relatives/neighbors do they call or go to if they need help.
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Read my entire interview at http://www.pageonelit.com/. Find Ready Freddie book and scroll down to the "interview" link.
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